A/N: Here is the new chapter. Thank you for the great reviews. I love seeing what everyone thinks about each chapter. This story is AU, but there will be magic throughout. As of right now, I plan to upload a new chapter every two weeks except for Chapter 3. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter as much as I do.
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Billy read the message again before folding up the letter. Looking around the village, he knew this wasn't the time to leave, but she had summoned him.
"Katherine," he said as he pulled his wife to the side away from some of the other villagers.
He didn't need anyone to overhear their conversation.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I need to leave," he said as he took her hands in his. "I'm sorry. I know it's not the right time."
"But you've been summoned," she whispered squeezing his hands.
"Yes."
She looked away for only a moment. "Go."
"Are you sure you can handle everything?" he asked as he looked past his wife to the village.
Most of the houses were destroyed by fire. Theirs had been spared along with a few others. It would take time to rebuild everything.
"We'll be fine. I'll take Mia to Dana for the wound on her arm," she said. "Be careful. I'm sure the Putty Patrol is roaming the woods."
Their daughter had a deep cut on her arm from one of the Putty Patrol. He barely got to her in time. One second more and he feared he would've been burying his precious little girl.
"I will," he said as he released her hands and pulled her close. "You know I wouldn't leave if it was anything else."
"I know," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him. "Go take care of what you need to and come back to us."
"I will," he promised.
He kissed her before releasing her. He scooped their daughter up and kissed her cheek before setting her back on her feet.
"Daddy, what's wrong?" Mia asked.
"I have to take a trip to see an old friend," he said. "Listen to your mommy."
"Okay," Mia said.
He sighed before turning away from them. He hated leaving his family, but he knew his duty was more important right now. With each attack of the Putty Patrol, he knew a message would come soon. Saddling his horse, he took one last look. Hopefully, this trip would deal with the Putty Patrol once and for all.
XXXX
"Are you really allowing her to test for the Palace Guard?" Andros asked as he nodded to the only female in the waiting line.
"Why not? If she's good enough, she should have a chance," Jason stated as he watched the first round of tests start.
"Jason, she's a female," Andros pointed out.
"I know, but she could prove to be an advantage," Jason stated. "Kimberly is a fighter, why can't this Trini be one as well?"
"I don't feel right about this," Andros muttered. "Next thing you know Ashley will be testing for the guard."
"Your wife isn't much of a fighter," Jason stated. "Look, if she's not good, then it won't matter. We need more guards after the deaths of the King and Queen. Angel Grove needs to be prepared for war."
"I know," Andros said with a groaned. "Leo sent word that another village had been burnt."
"That makes five," Jason said as he shook his head. "We need to get people out there."
"Princess Kimberly will have to be the one to decide that," Andros stated. "She is the one in control now."
"I know, but she is not taking suggestions right now," Jason said as he glanced at the castle.
His best friend was walking around in a haze. He didn't know how to help her other than doubling her protection detail. She didn't like it, but he and Sky, the head of the Palace Guard were in agreement about doubling Kimberly's protection.
"What does Sky say about Trini?" Andros asked.
"He said as long as she can fight, she could be on Kimberly's detail," Jason replied. "He said that Zedd has a female commander and that we should as well."
"I'm not sure Scorpina is female or not," Andros muttered. "She took down Zhane in the tournament."
"Well to be fair Karone was giving him problems at the time," Jason said. "Scorpina is a good fighter though."
"I just don't like it," Andros stated.
"Andros, who wants to test that you told them no?" Jason asked as he looked at one of his closest friends.
From all their training, especially with making sure that Kimberly could fight, Andros had never said anything about women fighting. Something was wrong.
"Cassie and Syd," he replied.
"You told your wife's best friend and the woman that Sky loves that they couldn't be a part of the Palace Guard?"
"Yes," Andros said.
"You're dead when Ashley and Sky find out," Jason said. "Now, I'm going to step into the ring against Trini."
"Why?"
"No one can say that her test was easier than anyone else's," Jason said as he climbed under the rope and into the ring against Trini.
"I have to face you?" Trini asked with her arms across her chest.
"Is that a problem?" Jason asked as he stepped forward.
"No, it's not a problem," she said as she dropped her arms and drew her sword.
"No swords," he said as he took his off and tossed it to Andros. "Hand to hand in case your sword gets knocked out of your hands."
"Fine," Trini said as she tossed her sword to one of the guys standing by.
Jason nodded as he watched Trini slipped into position. He knew that she was a great swordswoman, but she was better without any weapons. This was the one way he knew would highlight her talents to the others.
He'd seen her with her friend Zack. They practiced out of sight of the guard. He happened to stumble upon their training session one day. She was better than her friend, but they were both good enough to be in the Palace Guard.
He attacked first as she dodged out of the way. He was quick, but she was quicker. She flipped over his head and landed behind him. He spun around before losing his balance. She had swept her leg through his to knock him on his butt. Flipping up, he caught her leg as she prepared to kick him.
"I know your tricks," he whispered as he pulled her closer.
"Not all of them," she whispered as she pulled her leg closer to her before falling back.
Her weight was less than his, but with all her momentum, she took him to the ground once again. He was afraid that he would land on her, but she was too quick. She jerked her leg from his grasp and rolled away.
He rolled to his side and jumped back up. He threw a punch, only to have her block it and throw a jab to his ribs. The force sent pain up and down his side. He had taken plenty of jabs over the years, but never in that exact spot. He would have to guard his sides better.
Acting on instinct, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist. She went limp and slipped out of his arms. One moment she was in his arms, and the next she was flipping away from him.
The crowd was watching as she made her next attack. This one he blocked easily. In fact, the next three attacks, he blocked. He attacked then, but she blocked. He moved to the side so that she didn't send another jab to his side. This time instead, she hooked the back of leg to send him to his knees.
Everyone cheered.
"Enough," Sky yelled as he entered the ring. "I think she has more than proven herself."
"What?" Jason asked as he stood up.
"She has gone toe to toe with you for longer than I've seen anyone. She's in," Sky replied. "Is everyone in agreement?"
"Yes!"
Jason smiled as he held out his hand to Trini.
She smiled as she placed her hand in his.
"Welcome to the Palace Guard," Jason said as he shook her hand.
"Thank you," she said as she looked around.
They exited the ring as the next two stepped inside. There were still several men who had to be tested before the day was done.
XXXX
"Dana, here is another one," Carter said as he set another injured man inside their cottage.
"Carter, I'm running out of room in here," she said, as she looked around at all the injured people who she was tending.
"I know, but you're the only one with any knowledge of medicine in the village," he said. "I can't leave them outside in case the Putty Patrol comes back."
"I know, but we need another solution to tending to the wounded besides our home," she said as she finished the last stitch on the little girl's arm. "There you go sweetie, now keep it clean for the next several weeks."
Carter nodded before going back outside.
"She will," the little girl's momma promised. "Thank you, Dana."
"No problem, Katherine. I'm just happy you two made it," Dana said. "I would hate for Mia to be lost."
"Me too," Katherine sighed. "I just wish her daddy was here."
"Where is Billy?" Dana asked.
It wasn't like Billy to be gone from home especially with the outlining villages being attacked.
"He got an urgent message," Katherine said. "He didn't tell me anything more."
"I'm sorry, Katherine," Dana said. "I know it must be important for Billy to leave at a time like this."
"Yeah," Katherine whispered. "Well, come on Mia. We need to let Dana get back to work."
Dana watched the pair walked out before she moved on to the next person.
"Dana, it's Wes," Jen cried as she rushed in behind Carter and Wes.
"Where did you find him?" Dana asked as she rushed to her husband's side.
"He was stumbling into the village. The Putty Patrol attacked him," Jen cried. "He was only checking on his brother's family."
Dana nodded as she looked at Wes. He was beaten up badly. Blood covered most of his face and she could tell by the awkward angle of his arm that it was broken.
"Get him on the table," Dana ordered. "I need to see how much damage is under all that blood."
"What do you need me to do?" Jen asked.
"Get some water from the creek. I'll need it to clean his wounds," Dana replied as she dug into her bag. "We've got to get him clean before fever sets in."
Jen nodded. She grabbed a bucket and headed outside to the creek.
"Do you think he will make it?" Carter asked.
"I don't know," Dana replied as she looked at her husband. "I need your help with his clothes. I need to see how bad he really is while Jen is gone."
"I wondered why you sent her for water when I just brought you some not too long ago," Carter said as he helped Dana undress Wes.
It was always hard when a close friend was injured. It was even harder for Carter since Wes had saved him a couple of months ago from a wild hog he'd been hunting.
"We need to find a way to stop the attacks," Dana said as she surveyed Wes's body.
There were several open wounds that would need to be dealt with, but nothing life threatening. Well it wasn't life threatening, but if she didn't get those wounds cleaned, it would be life threatening.
"Yes, we do, but I want to know why after all this time," Carter said. "No one has attacked Angel Grove in many, many years, what has changed."
"Peace doesn't last forever," Dana said as she started cleaning the wound on Wes's chest first. It was the deepest one and close to his heart.
"No, it doesn't, but it also doesn't make sense that we would be under attack now," Carter stated.
"Maybe someone wants the Princess' hand in marriage. She is after all sixteen now. Her coronation will be soon," Dana said as she took her time to pick out the small pebbles imbedded in the wound.
"I think it's something more," Carter said as the door opened.
Jen rushed inside with a bucket full of water.
"Sorry, it took me so long," Jen said as she set the bucket down next to the other bucket.
Dana was glad that she'd sent Jen out because by the looks of Wes's body, they would need lots of water.
"Don't worry, this won't be the only bucket we'll need," Dana said.
"Will he live?" Jen asked.
"I'm not sure, but I'm not letting him go without a fight," Dana said. "Now, sit down before you pass out. I don't need another patient on my hands."
"Okay," Jen said as she grabbed the nearest chair and sat down.
"Well, I'll leave you alone to work. I need to see if anyone needs help," Carter said as he placed his hand on Dana's shoulder and squeezed.
"Be careful," Dana said as she looked up to her husband.
"Always," Carter said before leaving.
Carter looked around the village and sighed. It would take months to rebuild from the fire. He knew that something was going on. He just didn't know what. It was in everyone's best interest to find out why the villages were being attacked. Actually, they needed to find out who was attacking the villages.
Shaking his head, he walked towards the next house. He would offer his help to everyone and they would rebuild the village.
XXXX
Kimberly read the letter one more time before folding it up. She'd never dreamed she would find a letter in her mother's personal journal. It had been tucked among the pages. When she opened it, she realized why her parents chose to take their journey. They had planned to save the kingdom by enlisting the help of the Mystic Warrior.
She found the map in her mother's journal as well. It was a rather crude map, but one that would get her back to Phadoes. She closed the journal and set it to the side as she stood up.
Stepping out on the balcony, she surveyed her kingdom. It was laid out before her in an almost fairy tale setting. This was no fairy tale. Her kingdom was under attack. The outside force was unknown to her, but it wouldn't be for long.
The attacks started small, but quickly escalated. Last week her parents were captured. Their bodies were found only a few days ago. The madness would stop. She would see to that.
"Princess, you should come away from the window," Connor, one of the guards stated. "It's not safe."
"I know, but neither is my plan," she voiced without thinking.
"What plan? I am unaware the council got a plan of action together."
"They haven't," she commented. "I have."
The council was made up the noblemen who supported the crown. They sat with her father during important meetings as they would when she took the throne. She didn't ask their approval because she knew what their answer would be; no. She was the ruler of Angel Grove and as such, she couldn't go after her parent's killers. At least not in the council's eyes.
"Princess, it's not wise to form a plan without the council's approval," Connor said.
"I know, but this is personal now," she said calmly. "They murdered my parents."
"I know."
"I have to do something," she whispered.
"What is your plan?"
Connor was one of the younger guards that Jason had placed on her detail. Thankfully, Connor was not one to just sit around. He needed action, like she did.
"I'm going to look for the Mystic Warrior," she replied.
"But milady, he is only a legend."
"No, he's real," she protested. "My parents made contact with him before their deaths."
"Who will you send to find him?"
She turned and saw the look in his eyes. He wanted her to choose him to complete this mission. He didn't understand though. It had to be her.
"I'm going."
"You cannot," Connor protested. "You are the heir to the throne."
"Yes, I know," she admitted. "I'm still going. This is my kingdom and I'm fighting for it."
"Milady," Connor started as she held up her hand to stop him.
"My mind is made up," she announced. "I am going to find the Mystic Warrior, and I am going to save my kingdom."
Once she finished, she swept past Connor and back into the palace. The look on the princess' face made it clear not to argue with her. She had made her mind up, and nothing was going to stop her.
XXXX
"I heard you went against Jason," Zack said as Trini sat across from him.
"I did," she said.
"I also heard that you got in some hits on him," he said.
She smiled and nodded.
"What was it like facing the man you fancy?"
"I never said I fancy him," she stated as she looked away from him.
He laughed as he stood up. "You also never said that you didn't."
"Zack, leave her alone," Angela said as she walked into the room. "She is one of the Palace Guard now."
Angela was Zack's wife of two years, but both were her friends.
"Yeah, I am," Trini said as she glanced at Zack.
"I'm your oldest friend," Zack said holding his hands up in front of his chest. "You fancy Jason even though you will never admit it."
"Why should I admit it?"
"To help you sleep better at night," Zack replied with a laugh.
"I sleep just fine," Trini muttered. "Anyway, something is going on in the villages."
"The Putty Patrol are attacking under Goldar's command," Zack said. "They started by burning a few buildings, but now they are burning most of the village."
"The question is why now? They have never attacked Angel Grove before," Trini said. "The people laughed at a peace treaty between the Lunar Kingdom and Angel Grove because they never attacked before."
"According to legend, they attacked Angel Grove many centuries ago, but were stopped by the Mystic Warrior," Zack said.
"Zack, you know that's a bedtime story," Angela said as she stir the pot she had over the fire.
"Maybe, but maybe not," Zack said. "Is that why you joined the Palace Guard?"
"I want to do my duty," Trini said. "I want to be of something more."
"Trini, you are part of something more, but if being in the Palace Guard makes you happy, then we're happy," Zack said as he looked at his wife.
"We are happy for you, Trini," Angela agreed. "I'm sure Jason and the other guys didn't know what to think about you."
"I don't think Jason was as shocked as everyone else," Trini said. "It was like he knew what I could do."
"What do you mean?" Zack asked as he leaned forward.
"Well the others didn't face Jason and they used their swords. It was like Jason knew I was better without a sword," Trini replied.
"He is smart and can read people," Angela said. "I bet he puts you on Kimberly's detail."
"He probably will," Zack said. "It would make sense to have more protection around the only heir to the kingdom."
"Yeah," Trini said as she stood up. "I need to get home and check on momma."
"Is she feeling better?" Angela asked.
"No, we can't seem to break the fever," Trini said. "Thanks for everything, Zack."
"Hey, you did all the work," Zack said as he stood up. "Tell your momma, we'll be thinking of her."
"I will," Trini promised as she hugged Zack and Angela.
XXXX
"Milady," Alpha said as he rushed to Kimberly's side.
She sighed. She loved Alpha, but the man was by the book. He made sure that she followed in the tradition of a proper princess of Angel Grove. It wasn't bad, but she wanted more out of life than which foot to step forward with or how to greet a visiting royal.
"Alpha, what's wrong?" she asked as they walked into the dining hall.
"We need to make the arrangements for your parents' funeral," he said.
Those words stopped her. She closed her eyes as she gained her composure.
"I was under the understanding that their bodies had not made it back to the castle," she said slowly and evenly.
"They arrived moments ago and are in the chapel, awaiting your decision," he said.
She nodded. "I want to be alone with them for a few minutes."
"Milady, it's not safe for you to be alone," he stated. "Their deaths have made you queen."
"I know," she said. "Jason can place ten guards around the doors. I want a moment alone with my parents before they are placed in the ground without any eyes on me."
"Aye, aye, milady," he said as he bowed low.
She watched as he left. Tears gathered in her eyes as she tried to blink them back. Now was not the time to lose it. She needed to stay strong until their murderer was dealt with. Only then could she mourn the death of her beloved parents.
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"Are you two ready to go?" Adam asked as he looked at his best friends.
"What did the message say?" Aisha asked as she tied her bag to the saddle.
"We are needed in Phadoes," Rocky replied as he secured his bag to the back of his saddle.
"I wonder what's happened. We've never been called there before," Aisha said as she climbed on her horse.
"There must be some problem in one of the other kingdoms," Adam said as he mounted his horse.
"Will Stone Canyon be okay with the three of us leaving?" Rocky asked after mounting his horse.
"I'm sure Dane and Viera can handle it since they are the King and Queen," Aisha said. "The guard can prevent anyone from entering the border."
"I would've thought Sky and the others would do the same for Angel Grove," Adam said as he gathered his reins in one hand.
"There is a rumor that Pierre and Carolina were murdered," Rocky whispered as he glanced around.
"Where did you hear that?" Aisha asked.
"One of the stablemen mentioned it. I told him he had to be wrong," Rocky replied. "I don't think he is though."
"Me either," Adam said. "The message was sent for a reason and I fear their deaths would be a reason."
"Kimberly is the ruler of Angel Grove then," Aisha said as she adjusted herself in her saddle. The ride to Phadoes wasn't easy since the place was hidden to everyone unless you knew the way.
"I think we're in for some adventure this time," Rocky stated.
"Then we better get it started," Adam said. "I want to be in Phadoes before the end of the week."
"That'll push the horses," Aisha said.
"If the King and Queen of Angel Grove were murdered, time is not on our side. We can't afford to dally," Adam explained.
"Adam's right," Rocky said. "We needed to have been riding as soon as we received the message."
"Fine, but remember we can't help anyone if we're exhausted when we arrive in Phadoes," Aisha stated as she squeezed her heels against her horse.
Adam and Rocky looked at each other before urging their horses forward. The next week would be a long ride. They couldn't afford to wait any longer.
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Kimberly stared down at her parents. It had been a mistake to see them on her own. Their deaths had not been easy. She could tell they had been tortured for hours, maybe even days.
She didn't want to think about her parents being tortured.
"Are you okay?" Jason asked as he walked up behind her.
"No," she replied. "I thought I made it clear that no one was to enter the chapel."
She didn't care that she was snapping at him.
"Kimberly, I've known you my entire life. I know this isn't an easy time for you. I also know that you don't like to lean on anyone. You think it makes you weak," he said.
"It does make me weak," she muttered.
"No, it makes you human," he said. "I know that you're a princess, but you're still human. You need help every now and then, just like everyone else."
"Jason, I don't know how to accept their deaths," she whispered as she turned to face him.
"You don't have too, at least not now," he said wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Feel angry, yell, throw things, anything to make you feel alive."
"How did you know I don't feel alive?" she asked as she leaned into his shoulder.
"I know you," he replied. "You're my little sister. I'm shaken by their deaths."
"I don't know if I can lead the kingdom," she admitted.
"Oh you'll rule as you were born to do," he said. "Your father raised you to be a queen."
"I want their killers to face me," she said.
"I know, but we may never know who decided to kill them," he said as he squeezed her shoulder.
"I'll find out," she whispered.
She pulled out of Jason's hold and looked back at her parents' bodies. Her plan was in place, all she had to do was leave. She would wait until after her parents' funeral before slipping into the night.
XXXX
"Tommy," Kira said as she walked up behind him.
"I'm not even going to ask how you found me," he said without turning around.
"I'm your sister. I always know where you are," she stated.
"What do you want?"
"She needs to see you," she replied.
"What?" he asked spinning around to face her.
"Our great grandmother needs to see you," she repeated.
He sighed and looked away.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "And why does she always want to see you? I've only ever seen her once that I can remember."
"Kira, it's better that she doesn't want to see you," he said as his mind scrambled.
Something was wrong for Dulcea to want to see him.
"I'm sure she just wants you to fix something," she said with a shrug. "At least that's what momma thinks."
"Yeah, I'm sure that's it," he muttered as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Where is her message?"
She bent over and got something from the top of her boot. "Here."
"You stuck it in the top of your boot?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
"I didn't have anywhere else to put it," she said placing her hands on her hips. "I told you what it said so I don't know why you wanted to see it."
"Maybe because it was meant for me," he said as he took the paper from his sister. "Tell momma I'll be in, in a moment."
"Fine, but you better wash up," she said before turning on her heel and walking out.
Shaking his head, he opened the message. It said exactly what his sister told him, but what she didn't know was that their great grandmother also hid messages within messages.
He held the paper up to the fading sunlight that filtered through the barn.
"I see you've found my message," Dulcea said as she appeared in front of him.
"Of course, I did," he said.
The image of Dulcea was the work of magic that his great grandmother knew well. He'd been learning, but he didn't know everything.
"I'm calling all the commanders to Phadoes," she said.
"And you want me to be there?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Why?" he asked.
"I will explain when you get here," she said.
"Fine, but it will take me at least two days of hard riding to get there."
"I know," she said. "They are already on their way."
"I'll be there as soon as I can," he promised.
"Safe travels," she said before disappearing.
Something was wrong and she didn't want to tell him until he got there. He knew who to ask to get the information he needed. Walking out of the barn, he made his way to the local Blacksmith's shop.
"Trent," he called out when he walked inside.
"Yes," Trent said as he looked up from the anvil.
"I need some news," Tommy said. "Something has happened."
"I haven't heard anything," Trent stated. "I can ask around."
"No, if you haven't heard, then no one around here knows," Tommy stated. "Thank you."
"Tommy, if I do hear anything, I'll let you know."
"Thanks," Tommy said as he walked back outside.
He would need to inform his mother about his upcoming journey. She wouldn't be happy, but she wouldn't tell him. He knew his mother worried about him, but she also knew that he was part of something greater.
XXXX
Kimberly quickly changed out of her black mourning gown. She couldn't ride in the gown it was too big. She found her pink day gown. It was the one she normally wore when she rode her horse. Once she was dressed, she grabbed her black cloak. It would cover the pink while she slipped out of the castle.
Minutes later, she swung her leg over and sat in her saddle. She had her bow across her shoulders, and a knife strapped to her thigh. If she encountered anything, she was ready. She also had her parents' letters to the Mystic Warrior. There was no map, but she was sure, she knew where to find him having been to Phadoes before.
When she was sent to be trained by the Mystic Warrior, she was too young to memorize the way. Of course, she didn't think she would ever travel that way again. Her parents had never been to the land of Phadoes because princes were not sent to be trained. Princes were trained by the Palace Guard. Her parents didn't accompany her on her journey, either. In fact, it was forbidden for them to journey to Phadoes. You had to be invited.
She may not be invited this time, but she knew this was the only way to save her kingdom and bring her parents' killer to justice.
The Mystic Warrior was foretold to possess unimaginable skill with the broad sword as well as the bow. Since no one had ever seen him, she didn't know if the stories were true. She wouldn't believe the man existed if not for her parents' letters.
When she was sent away, she wasn't trained by the Mystic Warrior. She was trained by a woman named Dulcea. She didn't know why she had to go if the Mystic Warrior wasn't there.
Grabbing the reins, she pointed her horse south and gave her lead. The white mare was known throughout the Kingdom, but she wasn't worried. No one but her could ride the horse. Actually, no one could seat the horse, but her. Crane only wanted one rider.
The sun was hovering low in the sky as it cast an orange hue throughout the trees. It was later than she wanted to leave, but sneaking out proved harder than she thought it would be.
No one knew she was leaving. There would be chaos in the morning when they discovered that she was gone, but she did leave a note. In it, she placed the Earl and Countess Scott in charge until she came back. She explained that she needed time to mourn the loss of his parents.
No one would dare question her grief. It would give her enough time to get to Phadoes and back again. Back the time she came back, her kingdom would be saved.
XXXX
Tommy pulled the saddle off his horse, Falcon. It was too dark to travel any farther tonight. He would need to get an early start in the morning to make it to Phadoes in time. After he explained that he had to leave to his mother, he got a late start. His mother didn't understand why he had to go.
"Reports cited the King and Queen's deaths."
"What?" Tommy asked as he turned to face one of the only men he trusted.
Normally, he made the journey to Phadoes alone, but something in Duclea's message made him bring along Trip. Now he was glad he brought Trip along. The man had a way of finding out information. If the King and Queen were dead, Angel Grove was on the brink of war, especially if they were murdered.
"Their bodies were found," Trip stated. "I'm sorry."
He nodded as he rubbed the back of his neck. "What about the Princess?"
"She is safe inside the castle," Trip replied.
"I want you to double check," he ordered. "She is the only heir to the throne. Her safety is our top concern."
"Yes sir," Trip acknowledged before slipping into the night.
He didn't know if Trip could find out if Kimberly was still in the castle or not. If she was anything like the little girl he remembered, she wouldn't be in the castle. He knew why Duclea had sent for him now.
It was time to assume his destiny.
Looking up at the night sky, he put his saddle back on Falcon. If he was correct then he would need to travel further tonight in order to protect Kimberly.
XXXX
Pulling back on the reins, Kimberly slid off Crane's back. It was too dark to press any further. She tied the reins to a nearby tree before taking the saddle off Crane's back. It wasn't safe enough for a fire, but she should be warm enough with her cloak.
She set the saddle on the ground before she made sure that Crane was settled for the night. Once she was sure Crane was okay, she sat down and stretched out.
The night was unusually quiet, but she wasn't worried. She was still in her kingdom and away from the outlining villages. The moon was bright enough to give her enough light. Leaning back, she laid her head on the saddle.
A twig snapped to her left. She didn't jump because she didn't want to alert them to her presence. Grabbing her knife, she rolled up to her feet and moved towards Crane. She knelt behind her horse and waited for whoever was coming near her. The person was walking, but she could hear a horse following behind. It might be more than one person, which would test her abilities. She was ready though.
The person stepped into the clearing as she moved through the shadows. Dulcea had trained her to work in the shadows. Being a woman, she couldn't over power a man, but she could sneak up on him.
Moonlight filtered through the trees to highlight the person's face, which made her pause.
"Jason," she groaned as she stood up. "What are you doing here?"
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"The Princess is not in the castle," Trip said as soon as he stopped his horse near Tommy's.
Tommy nodded as he mounted his horse. "Let's find her."
"But, it will push back your journey if you try to find her," Trip stated.
"I know, but Kimberly will be trying to find Phadoes. It will be easier if I escort her there," Tommy said as he closed his eyes.
He tried to focus on Kimberly's energy. Dulcea had placed a protection spell around the Princess the day she was born but it didn't take effect until her twelve birthday. It was the only way to ensure that the Princess would be Queen.
It took a few minutes, but he located the energy surrounding Kimberly. She wasn't far, but it would set his journey back by at least a day.
"Trip, I need you to go back to Reefside and watched over my sister and mother," Tommy said as he opened his eyes and looked at the man beside him.
"Will you be alright on your own?"
"Yes, and I won't be alone for long. Kimberly is close," Tommy said.
"God speed then," Trip said before turning his horse and riding away.
Tommy pulled the reins and turned his horse the opposite way. He should catch up to Kimberly soon.
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So what did everyone think? Please let me know. The next chapter will be out next week. Since I wrote a special Halloween inspired scene, it's only right to publish it before Halloween. After Chapter 3, the publishing schedule will resume to the normal two weeks.